‘Marvel Heroes’ Online Game Gets First Preview (Video)

Publisher and developer Gazillion Entertainment has been working closely with Marvel Entertainment on the first massively multiplayer online (MMO) games set in the Marvel Universe. The game maker has revealed the first glimpse of the free-to-play online game Marvel Heroes in this video teaser. The game will not be at E3 in Los Angeles in June, but will make its public debut at San Diego Comic-Con in July.

“Marvel Heroes marks a new era in gaming for us,” stated TQ Jefferson, Vice President of Games at Marvel. “For fans to actually become their favorite heroes in an original storyline, explore iconic Marvel landscapes and combat some of the most dangerous villains in a shared experience is unbelievably compelling.”

Written by Brian Michael Bendis, author of Ultimate Spider-Man, New Avengers, Secret Invasion and countless other successes, Marvel Heroes is inspired by some of the most popular tales and events in Marvel Comics history.

Gazillion promises that Marvel Heroes will combine the energy of action role playing games with the breadth and immersion of the MMO genre. The game will feature The Avengers from the recent blockbuster movie, as well as a huge roster from Marvel’s 8,000 super heroes and villains. Lesser-known characters like Squirrel Girl and Cable will also be introduced to fans.

“I’ve been a big Marvel fan for all of my life,” said David Brevik, President of Gazillion Entertainment and creator of Blizzard Entertainment’sDiablo and Diablo II. “Marvel Heroes represents the combination of Marvel IP with all of the knowledge and experience I gained creating Diablo. It is a dream come true. I’m excited to unveil Marvel Heroes and share this revolutionary MMO with both gamers and Marvel fans.”

Unlike Sony Online Entertainment’s DC Universe Online, which offers unique original super hero and villain creation, Marvel will allow fans to step into actual super hero and villain roles like Iron Man, Hulk, Thor and Black Widow. Fans will be able to completely customize their characters by constructing costumes taken from each hero’s rich history, choosing from a huge array of super powers for each character, and finding thousands of other items.

In the game’s social areas, including midtown Manhattan and the Xavier Institute for Higher Learning, players can meet up with other players, discover missions, and buy items from legendary Marvel characters. While pursuing missions, players will explore such famous Marvel landscapes as the Savage Land, Hell’s Kitchen and Mutant Town.